Tinubu Signs New NIMC Act 2026 to Strengthen Digital Identity, Data Protection President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the National Identity

Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, ushering in a new legal framework aimed at modernising Nigeria’s digital identity system, improving data protection, and expanding access to identity services for citizens.
The new legislation repeals and replaces the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2007 and is expected to reshape the country’s digital identity ecosystem by introducing stronger legal and technological safeguards.
One of the major highlights of the Act is the introduction of enhanced data protection measures that align with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and internationally recognised privacy standards. The law provides stronger safeguards to ensure that Nigerians’ personal information is securely collected, processed, stored, and protected.
The Act also designates the National Identity Management Commission as Nigeria’s root certification authority for the country’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This gives the Commission the responsibility of overseeing secure digital identity management, authentication systems, and electronic trust services across the country.
In addition, the legislation empowers NIMC to facilitate secure and seamless data exchange among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), private organisations, and other authorised institutions, promoting greater interoperability across government and private digital platforms.
Another key provision of the law is the introduction of the NIMC General Multipurpose Card, designed to serve as a comprehensive identity credential under the initiative tagged “One Card, Multiple Possibilities.” The card is expected to simplify identity verification and provide Nigerians with easier access to a wide range of public and private sector services.
Explaining the significance of the new law, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said its implementation would establish a trusted, secure, and interoperable digital identity ecosystem capable of supporting efficient service delivery across both government and private institutions.
According to the minister, Nigerians, including those living in the diaspora, will benefit from more accessible and convenient identity services, stronger protection of personal data, improved cybersecurity, and increased confidence in digital transactions.
He added that the Act will enable faster, safer, and more reliable identity verification and authentication while laying a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s digital economy, digital governance, and long-term national development.
Tunji-Ojo described the signing of the legislation as another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise public service delivery and strengthen digital infrastructure. He said the development reinforces public confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda and supports the administration’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.